SELF-GUIDED WHITE WATER RAFTING IN COLORADO
- Permits & Land Managers
- Organizations
- Shuttles
- Training
- CO Rafting Stores
- Equipment Suppliers
- Used Equipment
Permits & Land Manager Information for Self-Guided Boaters
Some rivers require that permits be obtained in advance, other rivers have no fee at all and others may require a permit or access fee upon arrival. Always know the rules for the river before you arrive. Respect private property. While Rafting in Colorado, the land along a river is not necessarily open to the public. Some access points require a fee to be paid to a private landowner.
Organizations
| Name | Primary Purpose | Learn More |
|---|---|---|
| Pikes Peak River Rafters |
We enjoy rowing and paddling our own boats down western rivers and actively plan and run single and multi-day river trips.
|
www.pprr.org |
|
Colorado White Water Association
|
We introduce new kayakers to whitewater, teach paddling technique, promote and teach whitewater safety, and support racing and freestyle kayak competitions.
|
www.coloradowhitewater.org |
|
American Whitewater
|
To conserve and restore America’s whitewater resources and to enhance opportunities to enjoy them safely.
|
www.americanwhitewater.org |
|
Pike’s Peak Whitewater Club
|
To foster an enthusiastic group of paddlers, provide a place to meet other people who enjoy whitewater kayaking, and explore Colorado’s exciting whitewater rivers and beyond.
|
www.pikespeakwhitewaterclub.com |
|
American Canoe Association
|
Education related to all aspects of paddling; stewardship support to help protect paddling environments; and sanctioning of programs and events to promote paddlesport competition and recreation.
|
www.americancanoe.org |
Shuttle Information for Self-Guided Boaters
On many rivers, you can connect with a local person to deliver your car from the put-in, where you unload and rig your trip, to the ending point where you want your car waiting for you in a timely manner. You may need to sign a liability release and you will want to make sure your insurance will cover the driver. Few if any shuttle drivers have insurance to cover your vehicle in the event of an accident. Many people will run their own shuttle with a second car, but if you only have one car or if you don’t want to take the time to drive round trip to the takeout, you will want to hire a driver.
Training & Education Information for Self-Guided Boaters
Learning to guide a paddle raft or row a raft is best done with instruction. Getting a job as a river guide requires more than just training on how to maneuver a raft. Plan to learn about first aid, river rescue, cooking, driving, cleaning, environmental interpretation and campfire entertainment. The state of Colorado requires a minimum of 50 hours of boating instruction. Reputable rafting companies will provide much more instruction. Plan on 2 to 3 weeks of intensive training to be certified by most companies. Some companies do not provide intensive instruction but trickle the training throughout the first season. It may be 2 or 3 years before you begin trip leading a flotilla of rafts. For those that are looking to buy a raft and learn on their own or with the help of friends, here are some helpful books… Guide’s Guide Augmented by William McGinnes The Complete Whitewater Rafter by Jeff Bennett
Rafting Stores in Colorado
| Name | Location | Equipment Info | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Kayak Supply (CKS) | Buena Vista, Colorado | Paddling and rafting supply center. | www.coloradokayak.com |
Equipment Supplier
|
Name
|
Location
|
Equipment Info
|
Learn More
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Colorado Kayak Supply (CKS)
|
Buena Vista, Colorado
|
Paddling and rafting supply center.
|
www.coloradokayak.com |
|
Northwest River Supplies (NRS)
|
Moscow, Idaho
|
Largest provider of river gear, parts and accessories in the United States.
|
www.nrsweb.com |
|
Jack’s Plastic Welding
|
Aztec, New Mexico
|
Custom made rafts, raft repair, waterproof bags and sleeping pads.
|
www.jpwinc.com |
|
Cascade Outfitters
|
Boise, Idaho
|
Rafts, rafting and kayaking accessories, camp gear, repair and safety gear.
|
www.cascadeoutfitters.com |
Used Equipment Information
Often times you can find used rafts and white water rafting equipment listed on forums as well as eBay and Craigslist. Here are a few companies that offer used rafts and equipment:
|
Name
|
Location
|
Learn More
|
|---|---|---|
|
Wilderness Aware Rafting
|
Buena Vista, Colorado
|
Visit Used Rafting Equipment Webpage |
|
Four Corners River Sports
|
Durango, Colorado
|
www.riversports.com |
|
Riverboat Works
|
Salida, Colorado | www.riverboatworks.com |
